Post-Roman Celtic Kingdoms

Glywyssing (Cernyw) (Incorporating Gwynllg, Penychen & Gorfynedd)

This small kingdom was traditionally founded in circa AD 437, by the son of Magnus Maximus. Despite the legend that claims his death was due to a ferocious battle with a giant, it is likely, given his geographical position, that he died in battle against Irish raiders. Glywyssing was situated west of Gwent, and was the remnant of Owain's territory of Mid-South Wales, being known as Cernyw. This is often confused with the Corniu of western Dumnonia (later Cornwall). By the time Glwys came to power, Cernyw had shrunk to the area that formed Glywyssing, and was renamed as such in Glwys' honour.

Glywyssing comprised three main regions, probably created with the same borders as their preceding Roman cantrefs: Gwynllg (the far eastern part of Glywyssing, bordering Gwent, with its capital at Allt Wynllyw on Stow Hill), Penychen (the centre of Glywyssing, ruled from Nant Pawl), and Gorfynedd (the westernmost section, the territory including the Gower Peninsula, ruled from Llaniltud Fawr (Llantwit Major)). They were often ruled almost as separate kingdoms, or sub-kingdoms, probably with one of the three rulers filling the role of nominal overlord.

c.383 - c.440

Owain (Eugenius) Finddu (Black Lips)

King of Mid-South Wales. Son of Magnus Maximus.

c.450

Mor (Marius)

King of Cernyw. Son.

[c.450

Cyngar (Congar)

Apparently went to Armorica and became king of Cornouaille.

c.470

Solor

King of Cernyw. Son.

c.480

Glwys (Claudius) Cernyw

King of Glywyssing. Son. The kingdom was renamed after him.

c.480

Upon the death of Glwys, the kingdom is divided between his three sons, which is traditional Celtic practice. From this is born Gwynllg, Penychen & Gorfynedd.

c.480 - 523

Gwynlliw (Woolos) Farfog

King of Gwynllg. First son.

c.500 - c.540

Pawl

King of Penychen. Son of Glwys. Left the kingdom to his nephew.

c.500

Merchwyn Vesanus (Marcianus the Mad)

King of Gorfynedd. Son of Glwys.

523 - 560

St Cadwg (Catocus) Ddoeth (the Wise)

King of Gwynllg & Penychen. Son of Gwynlliw. Killed by Saxons.

[d.c.520

St Maches (Madge)

Sister of Cadwg. Killed by sheep robbers.]

560 - c.755

Cadwg has no heirs and leaves his joint kingdom of Gwynllg & Penychen to Meurig, king of Gwent. It is possible that soon after, Meurig also gains Gorfynedd, as he is named as ruler of Gower, which is the easternmost part of Glywyssing. The kingdom remains part of Gwent until Rhys ap Ithel of Gwent rules it as a separate (or sub-?) kingdom.

c.755

Rhys ap Ithel

King of Glywyssing. Son of the king of Gwent.

c.785 - ?c.825

Arthfael Hen (the Old) ap Rhys

m.Braustud ferch Glowd, niece of the King of Builth.

c.825 - c.830

Glywyssing is apparently taken back into Gwent.

c.830s

Rhys ap Arthfael

King of Glywyssing.

c.840 - 886

Hywel ap Rhys

King of Glywyssing.

886 - c.930

Owain ap Hywel

King of Glywyssing & Gwent.

928 - 934

Griffith

King of Gower.

c.930 - 950

Cadogan

King of Glywyssing & Gwent.

950

Owain's son, Morgan, becomes king, and renames the kingdom Morgannwg (Glamorgan).

Morgannwg (Glamorgan)

After taking over as king of Glywyssing from his father, the "adventurer", Morgan the Old and the Great, renamed his territories after himself. He seems also to have counted Gwent as part of his territory, although by the time of his grandson's rule, Gwent seems to have regained its independence.

950 - 974

Morgan Hen Fawr

King of Glamorgan (former Glywyssing & Gwent).

974 - 994

Ithel Ddu ap Owain ap Morgan

994 - 1030

Gwrgan

Neiniad ap Gwaithfoed?

m.Eva ferch Gwrgan (Eva daughter of Gwrgan).

1081 - 1090

Glamorgan regains Gwent.

1090

Glamorgan and Gwent are conquered by the Normans, who then control all of South East Wales.